Invertebrate Surveys

We utilse the expertise of specialist sub-contractors for our invertebrate surveys due to the large number of species across each group.

Survey Inventory

1. Our Services

2. Background Information

3. Mitigation

4. Additional Services

Our Services

Our highly experienced ecologists and specialist sub-contractors can undertake both aquatic and terrestrial surveys for invertebrates and will use their skill and knowledge to tailor the survey methods that will be most appropriate and effective for each specific site.

By carefully selecting the groups of invertebrates to sample (such as hoverflies, bees and wasps, butterflies) our specialist surveyors can robustly assess a site for its invertebrate potential by targeting invertebrate groups applicable to the habitats present at the site.

Background Information

There are few legally protected invertebrates in the UK, however a large number are highlighted on the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework (Formerly UK Biodiversity Action Plan 2007), including many associated with brownfield development sites. For this reason they are of principle importance for any site survey.

Whilst there are a large number of UKBAP species and that alone is reason for survey, invertebrates are also valuable habitat indicators. They can help assess whether an area of land is “good quality” or of low biodiversity value because they occupy every tiny permutation in a habitat (a niche). For each niche there can be species of invertebrate that are of conservation importance or there will be indicators of particular features such as deadwood, cut plant stems, partially inundated ground, mobile sands or complex mosaics of herb-rich grassland and bare ground.

Mitigation

Mitigation can be straightforward and tied into schemes for other species such as great crested newts which often share the same habitats as many scarce invertebrates.

Access Ecology can design and implement effective site specific mitigation schemes from a planting scheme to design and construction of ‘invertebrate hotels’ and stag beetle pyramids for terrestrial invertebrates, and improved freshwater systems for aquatic invertebrates.

Additional Services

Access Ecology understands that there are many different reasons for undertaking invertebrate surveys and the survey effort and methodology are very much site and project specific. Our specialist ecologists can utilise their skill and experience for any necessity so please contact us to discuss your project and we will strive to achieve a suitable survey design.